Aylesbury Train Depot: Heavy-Duty Internal & External Cleaning Delivered Safely

Project Type: Rail Depot Deep Cleaning (Internal & External)

Client: Aylesbury Train Depot (working with Carlisle Support Services)

Scope: 4-week programme of depot-wide steam cleaning, pit restoration, and external works

Deadline: 14th July – 8th August (delivered on time)

Overview

Exterius was commissioned to carry out a full deep clean of Chilton Railway Depot in Aylesbury, working alongside our rail partner Carlisle Support Services.

The site operates as a volume depot, with live trains arriving and departing for maintenance throughout the day. This required a professional contractor with specialist safety training, technical expertise, and the ability to work under strict operational controls without disrupting day-to-day activity.

With PTS-trained operatives (Personal Track Safety) on-site, Exterius deployed a 4-man team to complete a full internal and external cleaning programme over four weeks, restoring the depot environment to a safe, compliant, and professional standard.

The Scope of Work

Week 1

• Steam cleaning and heated reach & wash system applied to external cladding and brickwork.
• Full external window cleaning.

Week 2

• Steam cleaning of hardstanding areas, including smoking shelters, pathways, walkways, and bunded fuel/oil storage zones.

Week 3

• Deep clean of Sheds 1 & 2: greasy walkways and walls between train pits treated with specialist degreaser and steam-cleaned using heated reach & wash system.
• Maintenance pit restoration:
  • Removal of grids.
  • Manual excavation of heavy debris and compacted sludge.
  • High-pressure steam jetting of walls and pit bases to restore free flow.
  • Grids steam cleaned and replaced.

Week 4

• Deep clean of Shed 3: walkways, walls, and pits restored using the same degreasing and steam-cleaning process.
• The final phase included a full depot sweep with a mechanical road sweeper to clean car parks and roadways.

All waste was correctly disposed of using approved waste streams.

Our Solution

This project demanded a combination of specialist equipment, trained personnel, and strict safety control:

• PTS-trained operatives ensured safe working near live tracks.
• DOFF and high-pressure steam cleaning technology removed grease, fuel residue, and years of build-up without damaging surfaces.
• Degreasing treatments prepared heavily contaminated areas for full restoration.
• Constant daily briefings with client representatives maintained alignment and safety.
• Team continuity across all four weeks ensured consistent quality and control.

The Result

Exterius successfully completed the entire four-week programme on time and to specification:

• Depot buildings, windows, and external areas were restored to a clean and safe condition.
• Walkways and hardstanding areas returned to a slip-free, operational standard.
• Maintenance pits are fully restored for safe ongoing use, with debris and blockages cleared.
• Zero disruption to daily depot operations despite live train activity.
• The client expressed strong satisfaction with the result.

Why Exterius Was Chosen

Exterius was selected for this project thanks to its extensive experience in delivering specialist cleaning across complex, high-risk environments. With a fully in-house workforce trained in PTS and IPAF and operating to the highest safety standards, the team had the expertise required for a live rail depot. Using industry-leading equipment, including DOFF steam technology and Mosmatic surface cleaners, Exterius demonstrated the capability to tackle heavily contaminated areas without compromising safety or efficiency. Their proven track record in completing challenging, large-scale projects in critical settings gave the client complete confidence in a successful outcome.

The Value of Specialist Rail Depot Cleaning

This project highlights the importance of regular deep cleaning in operational rail depots:

• Maintains a safe working environment for staff.
• Prevents long-term material degradation from oil, fuel, and sludge build-up.
• Ensures walkways and pits remain safe and fully operational.
• Upholds compliance with strict industry health & safety standards.

This CCS Aylesbury project highlights our approach to specialist high-level cleaning:

Expert-led. Professionally delivered. Safely managed.

For industrial environments where safety, precision, and deadlines are critical, we provide cleaning solutions that maintain compliance, protect operational efficiency, and deliver results you can rely on. To arrange a free site survey or discuss your specialist cleaning requirements, contact us today.